Reflections on Leadership and Governance: Lessons from an Afternoon with Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
I recently participated in the Second Cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship Programme. The LMI, a brainchild of the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila proved to be more than just a fellowship program; it was a transformative journey that opened my eyes to the intricacies of legislation, governance, and leadership. As Fellows in Training (FITs — as we were called during the training), my colleagues and I had the privilege of not just learning from textbooks but engaging directly with seasoned technocrats and leaders who have made a mark in our nation’s governance.
The essence of the LMI fellowship is to nurture and prepare young leaders for public service. This program uniquely combines practical experience with mentorship, providing a compass for those navigating the complex terrain of governance, politics, and decision-making. In one of the sessions, my colleagues (44 amazing individuals drawn from the 36 states and the FCT) and I had the privilege of sitting down with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D.
During the session, Mr. Speaker’s approach was open and welcoming, which helped everyone feel at ease. His communication style was simple yet engaging, making the complex subject of legislation understandable to all. He turned what could have been a daunting topic into a conversation that everyone could participate in.
Before that conversation, I had always seen Nigeria’s legislative process as a distant and disconnected entity from the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians. To me, it felt like a complex world of rhetoric and political manoeuvring that did not quite align with the realities of our lives. However, Mr. Speaker’s candid talk shattered that misconception. Rt. Hon. Abbas stressed the significance of legislation and its impact on society. We learnt that it is not just about enacting laws but also establishing the groundwork for a more prosperous society. The laws should be formulated to meet the needs of the people, to protect them from injustice, and to pave the way for progress. This made the work of lawmakers feel more concrete and beneficial to the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Yes, many Nigerians feel this tinge of disillusionment about the state of the nation. The news headline always paints a grim picture that will make you feel that Nigeria’s challenges are insurmountable. But that conversation with Mr Speaker raised my hope and became a source of inspiration that reached deep into the recesses of my scepticism.
Another lesson that resonated with me was the significance of effective communication in leadership. Rt. Hon. Abbas emphasised the importance of clarity and simplicity while conveying complicated ideas. He stressed the need to speak in a way that could be easily understood rather than trying to impress others. This simple reminder became a guiding principle for effective leadership communication, particularly in a world where jargon often clouds the message.
Oh, and Mr Speaker also shared his personal experiences with navigating the complex workings of the parliament. He emphasised that true leadership is not about holding a position of power but rather about serving others with integrity and prioritising their welfare. These insights reminded me that leaders must be accountable and transparent in their actions and that earning the public’s trust is a sacred responsibility. The man not only carries the title but exudes leadership and a wealth of experience that left a lasting impression on me.
I particularly enjoyed listening to him respond to the question I asked him about how the 10th House of Representatives, under his leadership, plans to use the instrument of legislation to address the critical issues that affect the nation’s growing population of vulnerable people. He was eloquent and direct in his response — a trait I have come to appreciate.
Another thing I learned from that conversation is the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of governance. Leaders must stay informed and embrace the lessons that come with each experience.
Reflecting on that conversation with Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of that conversation. I am now eager to apply what I have learned to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation.
